CA1271602A - Bathtub enclosure - Google Patents
Bathtub enclosureInfo
- Publication number
- CA1271602A CA1271602A CA000567472A CA567472A CA1271602A CA 1271602 A CA1271602 A CA 1271602A CA 000567472 A CA000567472 A CA 000567472A CA 567472 A CA567472 A CA 567472A CA 1271602 A CA1271602 A CA 1271602A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- bathtub
- enclosure
- back wall
- length
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000003287 bathing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VVQNEPGJFQJSBK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methyl methacrylate Chemical compound COC(=O)C(C)=C VVQNEPGJFQJSBK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920005372 Plexiglas® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000001627 detrimental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008676 import Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)
Abstract
BATHTUB ENCLOSURE
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An enclosure for a bathtub for creating an environment of contained heat and high humidity. The enclosure is composed of two elongated panels, one horizontally oriented and the other vertically oriented, the panels being hinged together and the horizontal panel being hinged to the back wall adjacent the tub. A latch is located on the back wall so that the enclosure may be opened and the panels folded against one another and held against the back wall when the enclosure is not in use.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An enclosure for a bathtub for creating an environment of contained heat and high humidity. The enclosure is composed of two elongated panels, one horizontally oriented and the other vertically oriented, the panels being hinged together and the horizontal panel being hinged to the back wall adjacent the tub. A latch is located on the back wall so that the enclosure may be opened and the panels folded against one another and held against the back wall when the enclosure is not in use.
Description
BATHTUB ENCLOSURE
Backqround of the Invention This invention relates to bathing ~acilities, and in particular to an enclosure for a bathtub to provide a chamber abovP the tub for creating a warm and humid environment.
Covers for containing the heat within a bathtub or similar structure are well known, as exemplified by west Germany Offenlegungsschrift No. 2841019. Such devices are intended to be removed or pivoted out of the way when the bathtub is used for bathing. Hoods or covers for bathtubs and similar devices have also been proposed, as exemplified by United States Patent No. 3,119,122. The purpose of the device of this patent is to create a heat or vapor chamber for the bather. Other examples of similar devices are U.S. Patents 2,095,749 and 3,581,315.
A substantial disadvantage o~ previous chambers or enclosures for bathtubs has been their cumbersome nature and complexity. Even when used in connection with a shower stall, as disclosed by U.S. Patent No. 4,365,368, such devices tend to be complex, unwieldy~ and commensurately expensive.
Summary of the Invention According to an aspect of the invention, an enclosure for a bathtub, the bathtub being installed in a recess having a pair of opposite end walls and a back wall, the end walls being separated a predetermined distance substantially equal to the length of the bathtub, the enclosure comprises:
3~ a~ an elongated first panel having a length substantially equal to the distance between the end walls, having a width sufficient for spanning at least part of the bathtub, and having opposite side edges, the first panel being normally disposed in a generally horizontal orientation;
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b. an elongated second panel having a length substantially equal to the length of the first panel, having a predetermined width, and having opposite side edges~ the second panel being normally disposed in a generally vertical orientation with one side edge thereof for resting on the bathtub;
c. flr~t means for hingedly securing one side edge of the first panel to ~he back wall and second means for hingedly securing the other side edge of the first panel to the other side edge of the second panel for forming a chamber above the bathtub in combination with the end walls and the back wall of the recess, the first means permitting free rotation of the first panel relative to the back wall and the second means permitting free rotation of the panels relative to one another;
d. latch means adopted to be mounted on the back wall above the horizontal first panel ~ distance substantially equal to the width of the first panel for securing the enclosure to the back wall with the panel~s folded against one another in a vertical orientation when the enclosure is not in use, and e. a nonskid strip secured to the one side edge of the second panel and extending substantially the length of the second panel to prevent slippage of the second panel on the bathtub when the second panel rests on the bathtub in a generally vertical orientation and the first panel extends between the back wall and the second panel in a generally horizontal orientation.
Brief Description of the Drawinas The invention is described in greater detail in the following description of an example embodying the best ~7~
2a mode of the invention, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the invention when positioned for use, Figure 2 is a perspective assembly view of the invention, and Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the latch utilized to secure the enclosure to the back wall when not in use.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPI,E
EMBODYING THE BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION
An enclosure according to the inventio.n is shown generally at 10 in the drawing figures. As shown in Figure 1, the enclosure 10 is installed above a conventional bathtub 12 which in turn is typically installed against a back wall 14 and further is sandwiched between a pair of end walls 16, one of the end walls 16 being illustrated (and the second being identical to the first). The recess comprising the back wall 14 and end walls 16 is conventional for a modern bathing facility, and forms no part of the invention.
j ~f /J' ~ _ . , ~ .
The enclosure 10 is composed of two primary elements, an elongated first panel 18 and an elongated second panel 2D. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first panel 18 is norm~lly disposed in a generally horizontal orientation. The length of the panel l8 is substantially e~ual to the distance between the end walls 16 for an appropriate seal therebetween, although air tightness is not necessary and may ~e detrimental if the bather were able to e~aust available oxygen contained within he enclosure 1û. The width of the panel 18 is sufficient to span the majority of the width of the bathtub l2 as shown in ~igure 1.
The second panel 20 is normally disposed in ~ generally vertical orienlation with one side edge resting on the bathtub 12. The length of the panel 20 is equal to that of the panel 18, and the ~idth of the panel (in the vertical direction) is sufficient so that a chamber 22 is formed above the bathhlb 12 of adequate head room and volume for the bather.
The panels 18 and 20 are joined at their abutting side edges by an elongated hinge 24 which is appropriately attached to each of the panels, as, for examp]e, by rivets (not illustrated). The opposite side edge of the panel l~ is secured to a hinge 26 which in turn is secured to the back wall l4 by a series of screws 28 or other appropriate fasteners.
~ 'hen use of the bathtub 12 without the enclosure lO is desired, the enclosure 10 is folded sgainst the back wall 14 ~ith the panels 18 and 20 folded agflinst one another in a verticai orientation as sho~.n in phantom in ~igure 1. To maintain the folded enclosure lO in place, a lstch 30 is ins~alled on the bsck wall 14 above the horizontPl po ition of the first panel 18 a distance substantially equsl to the ~ idth of lhe horizontal panel 18. As best shown in ~igure 3, the Intch 30 is composed of a body member 32 and a hook member 34 rotatit~el~ monnted b~ a pin 36 in the body mernber 32. Preferably, the bodv member 32 is provided with a series of apertures 38 for attachrnent to the ~all by ap?ropriate fasteners (not illustrated).
TQ facilitate both opening of the enclosure lO and also folding of the enclosure lO against the back wall 14, a handle 40 is prosdded ~hich is secured appropriately to a pair of apertures 42 in the Yertical panel ~0. If necessary or desired, more than one hanclle 40 can ~e emp10yed, or the handle 40 can be eliminated a]together.
It is import~nt that the vertical panel 20 not inadvertently slip while resting orl the bathtub 12. To provide ~ nonskid edge for the panel 20, a rubber bumper 44 is se~ured along the length of the panel 2U.
Alternatively, a stop or grooYe can be formed on or secured to the bathtub 12 where met by the si~e edge of the panel ~0 to assure proper orientation of the enclosure 1 Q.
The lengths of the panels 18 ~nd 20 are suffic;ent to span the distance between the end walls 16. A slight clearance is normally provided to a~sure that the end walls will not interfere with folding of the enclosure 10 against the back wall 14. However, clearance is not so great as to permit cold drafts to enter the chamber 22 or permit the humid and arm environment u~ithin the chamber 22 to escape.
The panels 18 and 20 preferably are composed of a clear plastic material, such as p]exiglass, and the hinges 24 and 26, handle 40 and latch 30 are formed of a non-corrodible material such as chrome plated steel ~hich can withstand the humid atmosphere sbout the bathtub 12.
For asthetic purposes, it is preferred that the latch 30 be formed of plexiglass or a like plastic material similar to that of the panels 18 and 20.
Various changes can be made to the invention without departing irom the spirit thereof or scope of the following claims.
Backqround of the Invention This invention relates to bathing ~acilities, and in particular to an enclosure for a bathtub to provide a chamber abovP the tub for creating a warm and humid environment.
Covers for containing the heat within a bathtub or similar structure are well known, as exemplified by west Germany Offenlegungsschrift No. 2841019. Such devices are intended to be removed or pivoted out of the way when the bathtub is used for bathing. Hoods or covers for bathtubs and similar devices have also been proposed, as exemplified by United States Patent No. 3,119,122. The purpose of the device of this patent is to create a heat or vapor chamber for the bather. Other examples of similar devices are U.S. Patents 2,095,749 and 3,581,315.
A substantial disadvantage o~ previous chambers or enclosures for bathtubs has been their cumbersome nature and complexity. Even when used in connection with a shower stall, as disclosed by U.S. Patent No. 4,365,368, such devices tend to be complex, unwieldy~ and commensurately expensive.
Summary of the Invention According to an aspect of the invention, an enclosure for a bathtub, the bathtub being installed in a recess having a pair of opposite end walls and a back wall, the end walls being separated a predetermined distance substantially equal to the length of the bathtub, the enclosure comprises:
3~ a~ an elongated first panel having a length substantially equal to the distance between the end walls, having a width sufficient for spanning at least part of the bathtub, and having opposite side edges, the first panel being normally disposed in a generally horizontal orientation;
~r~
Yi~
b. an elongated second panel having a length substantially equal to the length of the first panel, having a predetermined width, and having opposite side edges~ the second panel being normally disposed in a generally vertical orientation with one side edge thereof for resting on the bathtub;
c. flr~t means for hingedly securing one side edge of the first panel to ~he back wall and second means for hingedly securing the other side edge of the first panel to the other side edge of the second panel for forming a chamber above the bathtub in combination with the end walls and the back wall of the recess, the first means permitting free rotation of the first panel relative to the back wall and the second means permitting free rotation of the panels relative to one another;
d. latch means adopted to be mounted on the back wall above the horizontal first panel ~ distance substantially equal to the width of the first panel for securing the enclosure to the back wall with the panel~s folded against one another in a vertical orientation when the enclosure is not in use, and e. a nonskid strip secured to the one side edge of the second panel and extending substantially the length of the second panel to prevent slippage of the second panel on the bathtub when the second panel rests on the bathtub in a generally vertical orientation and the first panel extends between the back wall and the second panel in a generally horizontal orientation.
Brief Description of the Drawinas The invention is described in greater detail in the following description of an example embodying the best ~7~
2a mode of the invention, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the invention when positioned for use, Figure 2 is a perspective assembly view of the invention, and Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the latch utilized to secure the enclosure to the back wall when not in use.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPI,E
EMBODYING THE BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION
An enclosure according to the inventio.n is shown generally at 10 in the drawing figures. As shown in Figure 1, the enclosure 10 is installed above a conventional bathtub 12 which in turn is typically installed against a back wall 14 and further is sandwiched between a pair of end walls 16, one of the end walls 16 being illustrated (and the second being identical to the first). The recess comprising the back wall 14 and end walls 16 is conventional for a modern bathing facility, and forms no part of the invention.
j ~f /J' ~ _ . , ~ .
The enclosure 10 is composed of two primary elements, an elongated first panel 18 and an elongated second panel 2D. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first panel 18 is norm~lly disposed in a generally horizontal orientation. The length of the panel l8 is substantially e~ual to the distance between the end walls 16 for an appropriate seal therebetween, although air tightness is not necessary and may ~e detrimental if the bather were able to e~aust available oxygen contained within he enclosure 1û. The width of the panel 18 is sufficient to span the majority of the width of the bathtub l2 as shown in ~igure 1.
The second panel 20 is normally disposed in ~ generally vertical orienlation with one side edge resting on the bathtub 12. The length of the panel 20 is equal to that of the panel 18, and the ~idth of the panel (in the vertical direction) is sufficient so that a chamber 22 is formed above the bathhlb 12 of adequate head room and volume for the bather.
The panels 18 and 20 are joined at their abutting side edges by an elongated hinge 24 which is appropriately attached to each of the panels, as, for examp]e, by rivets (not illustrated). The opposite side edge of the panel l~ is secured to a hinge 26 which in turn is secured to the back wall l4 by a series of screws 28 or other appropriate fasteners.
~ 'hen use of the bathtub 12 without the enclosure lO is desired, the enclosure 10 is folded sgainst the back wall 14 ~ith the panels 18 and 20 folded agflinst one another in a verticai orientation as sho~.n in phantom in ~igure 1. To maintain the folded enclosure lO in place, a lstch 30 is ins~alled on the bsck wall 14 above the horizontPl po ition of the first panel 18 a distance substantially equsl to the ~ idth of lhe horizontal panel 18. As best shown in ~igure 3, the Intch 30 is composed of a body member 32 and a hook member 34 rotatit~el~ monnted b~ a pin 36 in the body mernber 32. Preferably, the bodv member 32 is provided with a series of apertures 38 for attachrnent to the ~all by ap?ropriate fasteners (not illustrated).
TQ facilitate both opening of the enclosure lO and also folding of the enclosure lO against the back wall 14, a handle 40 is prosdded ~hich is secured appropriately to a pair of apertures 42 in the Yertical panel ~0. If necessary or desired, more than one hanclle 40 can ~e emp10yed, or the handle 40 can be eliminated a]together.
It is import~nt that the vertical panel 20 not inadvertently slip while resting orl the bathtub 12. To provide ~ nonskid edge for the panel 20, a rubber bumper 44 is se~ured along the length of the panel 2U.
Alternatively, a stop or grooYe can be formed on or secured to the bathtub 12 where met by the si~e edge of the panel ~0 to assure proper orientation of the enclosure 1 Q.
The lengths of the panels 18 ~nd 20 are suffic;ent to span the distance between the end walls 16. A slight clearance is normally provided to a~sure that the end walls will not interfere with folding of the enclosure 10 against the back wall 14. However, clearance is not so great as to permit cold drafts to enter the chamber 22 or permit the humid and arm environment u~ithin the chamber 22 to escape.
The panels 18 and 20 preferably are composed of a clear plastic material, such as p]exiglass, and the hinges 24 and 26, handle 40 and latch 30 are formed of a non-corrodible material such as chrome plated steel ~hich can withstand the humid atmosphere sbout the bathtub 12.
For asthetic purposes, it is preferred that the latch 30 be formed of plexiglass or a like plastic material similar to that of the panels 18 and 20.
Various changes can be made to the invention without departing irom the spirit thereof or scope of the following claims.
Claims (5)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS.
1. An enclosure for a bathtub, the bathtub being installed in a recess having a pair of opposite end walls and a back wall, the end walls being separated a predetermined distance substantially equal to the length of the bathtub, the enclosure comprises:
a. an elongated first panel having a length substantially equal to the distance between said end walls, having a width sufficient for spanning at least part of the bathtub, and having opposite side edges, said first panel being normally disposed in a generally horizontal orientation;
b. an elongated second panel having a length substantially equal to the length of the first panel, having a predetermined width, and having opposite side edges, said second panel being normally disposed in a generally vertical orientation with one side edge thereof for resting on the bathtub;
c. first means for hingedly securing one side edge of the first panel to the back wall and second means for hingedly securing the other side edge of the first panel to the other side edge of the second panel for forming a chamber above the bathtub in combination with the end walls and the back wall of the recess, said first means permitting free rotation of said first panel relative to the back wall and said second means permitting free rotation of said panels relative to one another;
d. latch means adopted to be mounted on said back wall above said horizontal first panel a distance substantially equal to the width of said first panel for securing said enclosure to said back wall with said panels folded against one another in a vertical orientation when the enclosure is not in use, and e. a nonskid strip secured to said one side edge of said second panel and extending substantially the length of said second panel to prevent slippage of said second panel on the bathtub when said second panel rests on said bathtub in a generally vertical orientation and said first panel extends between the back wall and said second panel in a generally horizontal orientation.
a. an elongated first panel having a length substantially equal to the distance between said end walls, having a width sufficient for spanning at least part of the bathtub, and having opposite side edges, said first panel being normally disposed in a generally horizontal orientation;
b. an elongated second panel having a length substantially equal to the length of the first panel, having a predetermined width, and having opposite side edges, said second panel being normally disposed in a generally vertical orientation with one side edge thereof for resting on the bathtub;
c. first means for hingedly securing one side edge of the first panel to the back wall and second means for hingedly securing the other side edge of the first panel to the other side edge of the second panel for forming a chamber above the bathtub in combination with the end walls and the back wall of the recess, said first means permitting free rotation of said first panel relative to the back wall and said second means permitting free rotation of said panels relative to one another;
d. latch means adopted to be mounted on said back wall above said horizontal first panel a distance substantially equal to the width of said first panel for securing said enclosure to said back wall with said panels folded against one another in a vertical orientation when the enclosure is not in use, and e. a nonskid strip secured to said one side edge of said second panel and extending substantially the length of said second panel to prevent slippage of said second panel on the bathtub when said second panel rests on said bathtub in a generally vertical orientation and said first panel extends between the back wall and said second panel in a generally horizontal orientation.
2. An enclosure according to claim 1 including a handle secured to said second panel for aiding access to the interior of the enclosure.
3. An enclosure according to claim 1 in which said nonskid means comprises a rubber bumper extending the length of said second panel.
4. An enclosure according to claim 1 in which said first and second means comprise an elongated hinge.
5. An enclosure according to claim 1 in which said latch means comprises a body member secured to said back wall and a hook member rotatively mounted in said body member.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000567472A CA1271602A (en) | 1988-05-25 | 1988-05-25 | Bathtub enclosure |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000567472A CA1271602A (en) | 1988-05-25 | 1988-05-25 | Bathtub enclosure |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1271602A true CA1271602A (en) | 1990-07-17 |
Family
ID=4138067
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000567472A Expired CA1271602A (en) | 1988-05-25 | 1988-05-25 | Bathtub enclosure |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1271602A (en) |
-
1988
- 1988-05-25 CA CA000567472A patent/CA1271602A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |